For millions of conservative Christians, Charlie Kirk was the ultimate disciple. He symbolized the hope of the new Christian right, breaking down the borders between right-wing politics and evangelical faith to transform the next generation of America.
Now, he is considered a martyr.
As shock over Mr. Kirk’s assassination on Wednesday spread, the meaning for many of his followers was immediate and nearly universal. Evangelical pastors, activists and young conservatives felt his death personally, because of his influence on their lives and because they saw him dying while fulfilling a greater purpose.
“Charlie died for what he believed in, he died for something greater than just himself,” said Jackson Lahmeyer, a pastor in Oklahoma who founded the Pastors for Trump network. “We hope and we pray that Charlie’s death is not one in vain.”
The shooter’s motive could have been political, religious or something else, Mr. Lahmeyer said, but regardless, Mr. Kirk was a martyr.
“I don’t think there was anyone in Christian conservative circles who was not impacted by Charlie Kirk,” he said. Mr. Lahmeyer described Mr. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, as a friend, and said Mr. Kirk had provided his introduction to the Trump family, years before the pastor was a player in national politics.
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